Jose Calderon was the Raptors’ starting PG last season, playing in 53 games, but his backups Anthony Carter and Jerryd Bayless were hardly a challenge for the Spaniard.

That will all change this season as Lowry looks to leave his mark north of the border and will compete with Calderon for a starting spot in Toronto’s backcourt.

2: Chris Paul: Vetoing the Opposition

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Paul became the first Clipper in franchise history to be named to the NBA’s first team All-Defensive team last season.

This was the second time that CP3 had earned that honor, having done so before in the 2008-09 season, when he was still with the New Orleans Hornets.

Paul was also second team All-Defense in the 2007-08 and 2010-11 seasons, highlighting his consistency as an elite defender throughout his career.

The main reason for that distinction is that Paul led the league in steals last year with 2.53 per game, something made possible by his outstanding awareness and footwork on the defensive end.

1. Rajon Rondo: The Best Defensive Point Guard

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While Chris Paul might have been named to the All-Defensive first team in the 2011-12 season, and Rajon Rondo settled for second team honors, there is no point guard I would trust more than Rondo with the game on the line.

Rondo’s intensity and fearlessness are unmatched by any other point guard in the NBA.

But what sets him apart is his willingness to defend anybody, anytime.

Rondo goes all-out, is willing to sacrifice his body for every loose ball.He averaged 1.8 steals per game last season (tied for sixth best in the NBA) and always seems to be one step ahead of his opponent.